A shirtless man with a partially amputated left arm poses against a dark background. His right hand is placed under his chest, and he gazes upward with a thoughtful expression

Studio Lampyris Noctiluca © Francesco Mazzola with Aristide Rontini

Championing diversity and inclusion through the arts

Our arts work in Europe is based on building meaningful, enduring and respectful relationships across different cultures, linked to our strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We're proud to work alongside a range of partners to deliver arts programmes that break new ground and challenge perceptions. On this page you'll find some of our recent highlights and a range of related resources.

Europe Beyond Access

Co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union (2018-2023), this flagship programme supported disabled artists in breaking the glass ceilings of the European contemporary theatre & dance sectors. A group of eight partners created 19 new commissions and worked with hundreds of disabled artists.

We'll soon be sharing details of the 2024 – 2027 edition. Subscribe to the Arts newsletter at the bottom of this page for updates.

Find out more about Europe Beyond Access 2018-24 in the video below.

Performing Gender: Dancing in Your Shoes

This three-year audience development project connected dance and performing arts professionals and their local communities through a discussion on gender and LGBTQI+ identities. The project explored how artistic processes can support community-building through genuine co-design between professional artists and community members.

Visit the project website

Hear from our partners as they share their reflections and learnings, and showcase some of the work produced during the project.

Reframed: Disability Aesthetics and Institutional Change

Hear two panels of international artists in conversation around disability aesthetics and institutional change in the visual arts sector. The events took place back in June but you can listen to their discussion below.

Publication: Visual Arts and Disability in the UK: a snapshot in 2024

This publication includes four essays by industry experts and commentators, each taking a different approach to reflecting upon the current state of disability in the visual arts in the UK.

Download the publication below.

Visual Arts and Disability in the UK: a snapshot in 2024

Open Dialogo

Delivered in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Culture (Department of Performing Arts), Italian Institute of Culture London and Arts Council England, this dance residency exchange programme for disabled dancers in Italy and the UK explored the ways in which we can work towards a more inclusive arts sector, from disabled leadership to innovative accessibility practices.

Watch our webinar series